Tight security surrounding the five-star White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou, southern China, has today fed speculation that the North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is visiting as part of his diplomatic efforts to restart talks on the North’s nuclear program gathered pace. Hundreds of uniformed and plainclothes police have swarmed in and around the hotel, putting up road blocks leading to it. Passers-by and bystanders were turned away. Many famous guests have stayed at the hotel over the years, including Bill Gates, President Bush Sr. (then vice-president) and the infamous footballer, Pelé.
January 13, 2006